Uruguay (UY)

South America's most progressive and stable country — Uruguay consistently ranks first in Latin America for democracy, press freedom, and quality of life.

Capital: Montevideo

Region: Americas

Language: Spanish

Currency: UYU ($U)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 911

Social Security in Uruguay

Benefits, contributions, and how the system works for expats.

Uruguay operates a mixed three-pillar pension system administered by BPS (Banco de Previsión Social). The first pillar is BPS's intergenerational solidarity fund. The second pillar routes mandatory savings to AFAPs (private pension funds). The third pillar is voluntary savings. FONASA finances universal health access through the mutualista network. Social security coverage is comprehensive by Latin American standards, extending to unemployment, sick pay, maternity, family allowances, and disability benefits.

BPS Number / Cédula de Identidad

Número de historia laboral BPS

Your BPS contribution history is linked to your Cédula de Identidad (CI) number. When you receive your cédula as a resident, your CI number becomes your BPS identifier. Employers register employees at BPS using this number. Self-employed workers register directly at BPS offices or at bps.gub.uy. No separate "social security number" is issued — the CI serves all functions.

Used for

BPS pension contribution tracking and history
FONASA health coverage verification
Unemployment benefit (seguro de desempleo) eligibility
Sickness benefit (subsidio por enfermedad) applications
Maternity/paternity benefit claims
Family allowance (AFAM) applications
DGI tax identification (alongside RUT for businesses)
AFAP private pension fund matching

Benefits & Support Payments

Jubilación (State Pension)

Jubilación BPS

Minimum jubilación: approximately $U 18,000/month (2026 — 3 × BPC). Average jubilación: $U 35,000–55,000/month. Maximum: varies by AFAP balance.

Monthly pension paid by BPS on retirement. Amount based on years of service, average salary, and age at retirement. Combines BPS solidarity pillar payments with AFAP accumulated savings.

Eligibility

Men: 65 years old with 30+ years of BPS contributions. Women: 60 years (transitioning to 65 by 2033 under 2023 BPS reform). Early retirement possible with 30 years contributions (men) / 25 years (women) at reduced rate.

How to Apply

Apply at BPS (bps.gub.uy) up to 1 year before retirement date. Bring cédula de identidad, contribution history, and AFAP statements. Processing: 3–6 months.

AFAP savings are transferred to BPS on retirement and converted to an annuity (Renta Vitalicia). Workers who emigrate can access AFAP funds after 10+ years of non-contribution with proper application. Foreign pensions from treaty countries are partially coordinated with Uruguayan BPS.

Unemployment Benefit (Seguro de Desempleo)

Seguro de desempleo BPS

50–66% of average salary from last 6 months. Maximum: 14 BPC ($U 78,120/month, 2026). Reduces by 10% every 4 months.

Income replacement benefit for workers who lose employment through no fault of their own. Covers both immediate dismissal and partial (reduced hours) unemployment.

Eligibility

At least 6 months of BPS contributions as employed worker in the past 12 months. Not applicable to voluntary resignation or dismissal for serious cause. Self-employed workers not eligible.

How to Apply

Apply at BPS within 10 days of unemployment. Employer issues certificate of unemployment (certificado de seguro de desempleo). BPS processes within 5–10 business days.

Maximum duration: 6 months (12 months for workers aged 50+). Monthly sign-on required. Benefits end on new employment. FONASA/mutualista coverage continues during unemployment benefit period.

Sickness Benefit (Subsidio por Enfermedad)

Subsidio por enfermedad BPS

70% of reference salary (promedio de los últimos 6 meses). Minimum: 1 BPC ($U 5,580/month). Maximum: 15 BPC ($U 83,700/month, 2026).

Income replacement for workers unable to work due to illness or non-work injury.

Eligibility

Formal sector employees with at least 3 months of BPS contributions. Absence must be certified by mutualista/ASSE doctor. Employer pays for first 3 days in most cases; BPS takes over from day 4.

How to Apply

Mutualista issues medical certificate (parte de enfermedad) to BPS. Employer notifies BPS. Worker must remain accessible for BPS medical inspection.

Maximum duration: 1 year (renewable for serious illness). Self-employed workers have limited access to this benefit — check BPS for current provisions for independentes.

Maternity Benefit (Subsidio por Maternidad)

Subsidio por maternidad BPS

100% of reference salary (average of last 6 months). Paid by BPS, not the employer.

Full salary replacement during statutory maternity leave. Also covers fathers under Ley de Licencia Parental.

Eligibility

All female BPS contributors (employed and independent workers). Must have at least 3 months of contributions.

How to Apply

Apply at BPS at 34 weeks of pregnancy. Bring obstetric certificate from mutualista confirming estimated birth date.

Maternity leave: 14 weeks total (6 weeks prenatal + 8 weeks postnatal). Fathers: paternity benefit 13 days paid. Extended parental (Ley 18.987) provides additional half-time working rights for 6 months. Covers premature birth and adoption.

Family Allowances (AFAM)

AFAM — Asignaciones Familiares

$U 1,400–2,800 per child per month (varies by family income and child age, 2026). AFAM-PE: higher amounts for households below BPS income threshold.

Monthly cash transfer per child for low and middle-income families. Also includes AFAM-PE (Plan Equidad) for more vulnerable households.

Eligibility

Employed workers with dependent children under 18 (or under 23 if in secondary or tertiary education). Also for informal workers under Plan Equidad (income-tested). Expat families eligible once BPS-registered.

How to Apply

Apply at BPS with children's birth certificates (apostilled and translated for foreign nationals) and school enrollment proof. Online at bps.gub.uy.

Children must be enrolled in ANEP education and have up-to-date vaccination record to maintain AFAM eligibility. Payment by BPS card or bank transfer.

Disability Pension (Pensión por Invalidez)

Pensión por invalidez BPS / AFAP

Based on years of service and salary. Minimum: approximately $U 18,000/month (2026). AFAP component added for workers with AFAP accounts.

Monthly pension for workers who become permanently or temporarily unable to work due to injury or illness not caused by work.

Eligibility

At least 2 years of BPS contributions (or as little as 6 months for work-related causes). Medical determination of incapacity by BPS commission.

How to Apply

Apply at BPS with medical documentation, employment history, and cédula. BPS medical commission evaluates within 30–60 days.

Separate from work-accident coverage (which goes through BSE). Expats who return to their home country after qualifying may be able to receive BPS disability payments abroad — check bilateral agreement with your country.

Contribution Overview

Employee contributions (2026): 15% pension (BPS/AFAP split) + 3–8% FONASA + 0.1% FRL. Employer contributions: 7.5% pension + 5% FONASA + 0.1% FRL + FONASA children's pool ~1.5% + work accident insurance (BSE). Monotributo flat monthly payment covers BPS pension and FONASA jointly. Contribution ceiling for pension: approximately $U 153,296/month (28 BPC, 2026) — amounts above ceiling attract contributions but not additional pension entitlement.

International Social Security Agreements

Uruguay has social security totalisation agreements (convenios de seguridad social) with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and other MERCOSUR nations. Also with Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and Luxembourg. These allow contribution periods in one country to count toward pension eligibility in another. Check bps.gub.uy/convenios for current list and provisions.

AFAP choice is important: AFAP República (BPS subsidiary, lowest fees), AFAP Sura (Grupo Sura), Unión Capital, and Integración AFAP. Workers assigned to AFAP at registration if they do not choose within 90 days. Annual comparison published by BCU at https://www.bcu.gub.uy. Workers can change AFAP once per year (April window). Investment returns have historically beaten inflation but are not guaranteed.

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